Our goal

UNDP helps create an enabling environment for all social partners, including civil societies, to grow in strength and contribute towards national development.

Our ultimate goal is to bring effective and equitable delivery of service to citizens -- especially the poor, indigenous and local communities -- and reinforce the rule of law and citizen security through the design of appropriate policy, legal and regulatory frameworks and strengthening of local governance institutions.

We assist in bridging the gap between humanitarian, peacebuilding and longer-term development efforts, helping countries in peaceful settlement of disputes and progress towards democratic governance.

We support democratic systems to become more inclusive and accountable, and able to meet expectations for participation, services and security. In 2014, our programmes strengthened electoral processes around the world and helped register 18 million new voters.

In Guatemala, Elena de Paz made history by testifying about the violence she experienced during the country's civil war. UNDP’s Transitional Justice Programme promotes the rights to truth, justice, reparations for victims and a culture of peace to prevent the recurrence of atrocities. Elena is among the indigenous victims of human rights abuses who received legal assistance and psychological counselling. Photo: UNDP Guatemalamore

The conflict between Boko Haram and the Nigerian military has killed 20,000 people and displaced another 2 million. In February 2017, UNDP and Borno’s Ministry of Reconstruction, Resettlement and Rehabilitation started stabilizing Ngwom, clearing destroyed buildings or rehabilitation of houses and basic infrastructure.

Programmes and initiatives

South Sudan became a nation on 9 July 2011 after a decades-long struggle for independence. However, the widespread optimism that defined the national mood on that day has now vanished. Unresolved political conflicts, ethnic and religious tensions erupted into widespread violence across the country in December 2013, which has continued unabated to this day.more

The sectarian violence in the Central African Republic has uprooted nearly one million people. It is estimated that 3 million, about half of the population, need urgent humanitarian assistance. 5,204 civilians have been killed since sectarian violence erupted after rebels overthrew the Government in March 2013. more